Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red has been forced to end his playing career after suffering a heart problem during a match two years ago.
The 25-year-old was a member of Spain's European Championship-winning squad in June 2008, but three months later, he collapsed on the field 13 minutes into Madrid's Copa del Rey match against Real Union and has not played since.
De la Red said he had reluctantly taken the advice of doctors to retire. Madrid appointed him to its coaching staff on Thursday.
''I have fought against this but without results. The doctors have recommended I stop,'' De la Red said. ''I thank so many people for all the support I've received since I suffered my collapse.''
De la Red sent a message of encouragement ''to all those football players whose careers have been cut short before their time.''
Born in Spain's capital city, De la Red said he had always dreamt of playing for Madrid, which he referred to as the biggest club in the world.
''It is a club that has seen me grow since I was a very small kid and from which I announce my retirement today,'' De la Red said as he was presented to the media at Madrid's Valdebebas training ground on Thursday.
''I want to become a coach now. I may have a problem in my heart, but it still beats for Madrid.''
Spanish soccer has been rocked in recent seasons by the deaths during matches of Sevilla defender Antonio Puerta and Espanyol captain Dani Jarque, both due to heart failure.
Last month, Miguel Garcia collapsed with a cardiac arrest during a second-division game and had to be resuscitated.
